The Silent Promise

I first wrote this fic around february last year on another forum.As I was uploading I remembered it and decided to put it up. Please enjoy.

Katou lay on the park bench, and gazed at the sky above as small pellets of water ran around him. They fell into his hair, and clothes, bathing everything, giving it that natured shine. His head shifted as he looked around at the people passing by, ignorantly, swiftly. What is my purpose? He asked himself, as those small pellets became harsh torrents that lashed with a gusty wind. It swept up everything, including the coat of the stranger that stood suddenly, immediately, next to him. His dark colored eyes peered at Katou with earnest and concern.

“Are you lost?” he breathed, the air frosting quickly. The rain fell slower now.

“Yes. I mean no, I’m not lost.”

“Then why are you in this park alone and crying?” Katou flinched in shock. Was I? I’d never realized it. He wiped at his face and looking away, a blond curl fell in his eye.

“You know, you’re kind of cute.” The stranger smiled at him. A warm, kind smile.

“You should get out of the rain though, before you catch a cold.”

“I won’t. I have a great immune system.” He realized his breath smelled of alcohol. “I’m going home.” He shifted to get up and was falling instantly to the ground before the stranger caught him.

“Hey, be careful.” He smells nice, of lavender. The scent invaded his nostrils, captivating his mind before he knocked out. “Hey! Hey!” The rain had lulled to a stop.

Katou curled more intimately into the bed sheets before he shook himself and sat up. >i>Where am I? Getting off the bed, he saw that he was in a small bedroom, decorated mostly with blue. It had antiques littered everywhere. An afternoon glow filtered through the windows and illuminated the gold strands of his hair and languid body. Walking over to the full length mirror, he examined his face that was a horrid mess. I need to clean up a bit.

“I see you’ve woken up.” The stranger from last night, had entered carrying a tray, with what looked like tea and eggs on it. Getting a proper look at him, he realized he was very handsome. He had an accentuated face and slim body, and his hair was short with jet black bangs brushing his eyes. Katou passed his hand through his own gold locks. He had a splitting headache.

“You might want to sit down before you fall over again.”

“Why are you helping me?” Katou directed firm eyes at him. The stranger sighed. “Maybe I should introduce myself. My name is Iwaki and I brought you home last night after you passed out.”

“I, What?” Katou looked at him in disbelief. “I passed out?” Maybe I really had been drunk.

“You looked as if you’d been brooding so I thought I’d help. I couldn’t just leave you out in the cold like that.”

“Thanks for your help.” He snatched the eggs, and stuffing his mouth, gulped down the tea, “But I've got to go.”

Iwaki stood up with a firm and determined look on his face, “No, I’m not letting you leave in that condition.” He looked at the blue marks all over Katou’s body.

“What are you, a doctor? I feel fine! My landlord might be wondering where I have been.” He sighed and ruffled his hair again. Realized he was naked, he blushed furiously and tried covering himself.

“Actually I am, but I’ve seen enough of those at the general hospital, so you don’t have to worry, I didn’t rape you.” He gave him a serious look. “I’m not into men.”

“How do I really know that?” Katou sneered sarcastically.

“Because if I had,” Iwaki smirked. “You would’ve been feeling really sore by now.” Katou supposed he was right. This guy seemed harmless and had even cooked breakfast for him. If he’s wanted him for a one night stand, he definitely had the chance earlier.

“You’re going to stay under my treatment until you get better.”

“I absolutely won’t! How will it look? Me staying with a guy?” his eyes were heated.

“You don’t have a choice.” Iwaki said firmly once again, stamping his foot for emphasis. Grimacing, Katou felt sick again. I really don’t have a choice.

****

About two months later, Katou was still staying in Iwaki’s apartment. For whatever reason he did not know why, except that he felt comfortable there. Sometimes they’d go and watch a movie together. When Iwaki was busy, Katou did odd end jobs to help pay the rent he owed to Iwaki. He had moved his things long ago and Iwaki didn’t seem to mind. One day, a thought hit Katou.

“Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.” Iwaki looked up from the book he was reading. “Huh? What is it?”

“Don’t you feel uncomfortable with me staying here with you? Its almost like if I’m leeching off whatever you give me.” Katou sat; leg’s folded on the carpeted floor, next to Iwaki’s feet.

“No, I don’t feel that way at all. I actually like the company.”

“How is that? You hardly know me and we met less than two months ago.”

Iwaki sighed and put down the book. “The thing is I really do like your company. I like when we watch a game together or discuss an important topic. When I go to work, I feel like if there’s something missing and when I come home I see you and its okay that I feel tired, because I know that you’ll be there for me to talk to.”

Katou blushed, “Iwaki-san…” He reached up and let his fingertips just brush Iwaki’s face. Iwaki’s ears were turning red. He stood up uneasily and went into the kitchen, his steps hurried. “Wait!” Katou called out. He ran after him. “Why are you running away?”

“I’m not!” Iwaki’s face was a bright shade of pink, “It’s just that…. just that.” He looked away.

“Just what?” Katou took his face in his hands and encouraged him to look upward.

“I’ve never confessed to anyone before and realizing that I just did…” His eyes were rimmed with tears. “I’m sorry.”

“Iwaki-san you don’t have to be sorry.” Katou looked at him, his eyes soft.

“Why?” He let go a small sniff and Katou kissed his forehead. “Because, I like you too.”

“But….but, I’m a guy.” A tear trailed down his cheek and Katou wiped it away.

“That’s doesn’t matter Iwaki-san, because love has no boundaries.” Katou rest his hand mildly on Iwaki’s head and nudged him closer. “I’m going to hold you here and never let go.” With Iwaki’s head on his chest, Katou silently allowed tears of joy to run down his face. I’ll love you forever, I promise.

Heading home late, Iwaki pondered on what Katou told him a week ago.
Does he really love me? Had he meant what he’d said? I’ve never been in love before, but when I miss him there’s this aching in my heart. What is it really that I am feeling? Getting ready to cross the street, he stood at the end or the pavement, when his cell phone rang.

“Hello? Oh, it’s you Dr. Kimlan. No, I was just heading home from work…” In the moment that those words left his mouth, the car heading down the street swerved violently, directly at him. He didn’t feel anything, before his heart stopped. The last image that ran though his mind was a picture of Katou’s face. Katou. In that endless rain, his cellular phone lay on the ground, its bright light blinking rapidly.

****

Katou sat on the park bench he had three years ago, gazing once again skyward, but this time at the cherry blossoms that fluttered peacefully to the ground, oblivious to everything around him. He saw him again, standing there right next to him, and his chest tightened. Why did you have to leave me Iwaki-san? Why? His hands shook as he reached out but the figure disappeared, swept away by those mild cherry blossoms that were scented fainted, and strangely of him. He knew finally and accepted that the missing piece of his heart was lost forever. I’ve kept my promise to you my love. And in that moment he let his emotions go .

I’ll love you forever, I promise.